Devils Tower National Monument in May
May at Devils Tower National Monument averages a daytime high near 66°F and an overnight low around 39°F, with about 2.9" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 1× the park's average month, which makes May an average month here.
- Average low
- 39°F
- Average high
- 66°F
Range across the year: 8°F to 85°F
- Precipitation
- 2.9 in
- Daylight
- 14.6 hours
Roughly 8% of the park's yearly visitors come in May: about 41,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes May the 5th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (2.9×) and the January low (0.1×).
On our Best Time to Visit score May rates 65/100 ("Good"). Our recommended month is September: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
The daily average of about 52°F is a comfortable range for hiking and being outdoors all day. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 0.5 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 67% of annual visitors, choosing May instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.
You'll have about 14.6 hours of daylight in May to explore — between the 8.6-hour midwinter low and the 15.4-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 515,303 recreation visits, down 4.7% from 540,890 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 8.6%, so a May visit is likely to feel busier than it did a few years ago.
How May compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | 57°F / 29°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 54 Fair |
| May | 66°F / 39°F | 1.0× Average | 65 Good |
| June | 76°F / 49°F | 2.4× Very busy | 55 Fair |
All twelve months at Devils Tower, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in May 2027
The National Park Service lists these Devils Tower facilities as closed during May 2027. The dates are the park's own, read on October 11, 2026. A facility that is not listed here may still be closed, so confirm on the park's site before you go.
- Belle Fourche River Campground (campground): closed until May 15, 2027
Things to do at Devils Tower in May
The National Park Service tags 8 Devils Tower activities for spring. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Eat Lunch at the Devils Tower Picnic Area · 1-2 hours
- Hike Joyner Ridge Trail · 1-2 hours
- Hike South Side Trail · 0-30 minutes
- Hike the Red Beds Loop Trail · 2-3 hours
- Hike Valley View Trail · 0-30 minutes
- Stargaze at Joyner Ridge
- Walk the Tower Trail Loop · 40 minutes
- Watch for Wildlife at Prairie Dog Town
Frequently Asked Questions
May averages a daytime high near 66°F and an overnight low around 39°F at Devils Tower National Monument, with about 2.9 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 0.5 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
May is average at Devils Tower National Monument (about 1.0× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Good" at 65/100. Our recommended month is September.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. May sits at about 1.0× the park's average, or 8% of annual visitation.
A typical May sees about 41,000 recreation visits at Devils Tower National Monument, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Devils Tower in May
Booking a May trip to Devils Tower National Monument? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live May availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Devils Tower
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in May.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1979–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.